It really is the most important thing. Most novices in Judo usually try and use strength at the start, and as such, they are very tense when they are trying to throw someone or trying to grapple with them.

Just stay nice and relaxed. You will use less energy and will be able to perform better. It will take time to learn the techniques and principles of Judo, and you will find they work easier when you "try" less, if that makes sense.

As they say in Judo "Maximum efficency, Minimum Effort". Just try and keep that in mind!!

When I started, I couldn't get any throw to work in randori, and on the ground I got continually sweeped and submitted. It wasn't that people were picking on me, it's just that often I would go half-way to throw myself through poor technique!

I went through this process of getting beaten for about 4-5 months, before I started to feel I stood a chance against other white belts or orange belts. Of course, I was also the smallest by a long way, something you won't have to worry about Brian!

When I started, I couldn't get any throw to work in randori, and on the ground I got continually sweeped and submitted. It wasn't that people were picking on me, it's just that often I would go half-way to throw myself through poor technique!

Yeah, this is pretty much my story right now in Judo, glad to hear some encouragement!